About

Welcome to the Other Side of the Tracks

Joe Lopez' first gallery opened in 1996. He says:

"The main idea was to have a place where I could feature my own work, since I had difficulty showing work in any of the other galleries in town. Every First Friday all the studios in the area would open up and feature a different artists, so I decided to start inviting my Chicano artist friends to exhibit as a featured artist. I would dedicate one wall to the guest artist. After a while, the word began to spread that I was promoting Chicano art, and I started getting approached by other Chicano artists I didn't know.

After 2 years on Alamo street, I was encouraged by Andy Benavidez, to come join him on South Flores St, where he had bought and started One9Zero6 Gallery. My response was that he was crazy, and that I would never be able to afford a building of that size. His response was, "The only thing they can say is no, what have you got to lose?" One of my collectors opened the door for the bank loan, and as they say, "the rest is history."

The building was rundown, beat up. Even the ceiling was falling down. It took a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears to turn it into the place it is today.

ART COMPLEX

ART COMPLEXGallista Gallery consists of 10 artists studios, a thrift shop, and a cafe with a lounge area in the showroom/gift shop that sells Gallista products, Chicano art products, and Chicano literature.

The Main Gallery is where the monthly event, Segundo Sabado (Second Saturday) is held. This large room is also rented out for weddings, receptions, graduation events, birthdays, art events and workshops.

Events

EventsThe ongoing event is Segundo Sabado, which is held every 2nd Saturday of the month. Read more about it here: